TV network in transition: Independent Film Channel jettisons the films, officially becomes IFC

PASADENA, Calif. – Television’s Independent Film Channel is no more.

The network’s chief said Thursday she has signed paperwork officially changing the name to IFC, completing a transition that viewers of quirky comedies like “Portlandia” already know.

IFC General Manager Jennifer Caserta says the channel is now all about producing comedy series that are “slightly off” the mainstream. For a network, success is usually tied to creating its own material instead of showing things created for other venues.

Next up for IFC is the series “The Spoils of Babylon,” which is a spoof of prime-time soaps like “Dallas.”